Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (2023)

What is a wireless guitar system?

With guitar technology currently being at it’s pinnacle, one piece of gear that still remains a staple in arenas, stadiums and venues today is the wireless guitar system. Have you ever wished that you were able to move effortlessly on stage? Are you tired of having to untangle your guitar cables before using them? Finding the best wireless guitar system can help you do all the above!

Wireless guitar systems are designed to allow the players of both electric and acoustic guitars total freedom of movement, practicality and great tone. Previously the systems would be found in rack units but are now more portable than you might think.

It’s true that many guitarists quickly shun off the idea of using a wireless guitar system. The thinking is they’re either too complex, expensive or only for professional musicians. However, with a much wider range of affordable options nowadays, you don’t need to be playing arenas, be a professional musician or breaking the bank to enjoy the perks of one. For those who worry about the interference from a wireless guitar system, the majority of companies have taken measures to ensure their products don’t experience interference.

Both electric guitars and acoustic guitars can be wireless and some units come with XLR/DI outputs. This makes them even more optimized for an acoustical guitar. Many guitarists are worried that their tone will be affected but since technology has come such a long way, tone is no longer sacrificed.

How do wireless guitar systems work with pedals?

A Wireless guitar system makes no difference to your pedals and functions in the same way as a standard guitar cable. Often consisting of a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter is plugged into your guitar and the receiver can be plugged directly into the amplifier or connected to the first pedal on your pedal board. If you are looking to be completely wireless with no cable at all, two units or two transmitters may be needed. However, many guitarists run a standard guitar cable from their pedalboard to their amplifier and use the wireless unit for the guitar only.

So here are 10 of the best wireless guitar systems in no particular order.

AKG WMS 40

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (1)

Pros

  • Easy Setup
  • Battery powered (optional)
  • 30 hours using a single A battery
  • Affordable

Cons

  • No switchable frequencies
  • Ariel on transmitter may be inconvenient
  • Not pedalboard friendly

If you’re looking to take a simple step into the world of wireless units with a transmitter pack that attaches to your belt, the AKG WMS is an affordable option. AKG, a well respected brand when it comes to microphones, have produced a plug and play device that works wonders for electric and acoustic guitar. The radio unit can fit nicely on top of your amplifier or inside any rack tray, with it’s transmitter boasting up to 30 hours with a single AA battery.

The downside of this unit may be that it’s not pedalboard friendly, which appears to be a nice preference now, for professional and non professional guitarists alike. It is however, a very affordable entry into the world of more traditional looking wireless guitar systems.

(Video) Top 5 Best Wireless Guitar Systems in 2022

Samson Airline 88 AG8

There are a large number of tabletop or rack unit guitar wireless systems on the market but the Samson Airline 88 AG8 makes things easy and offers great sound quality. Here you’re treated to 300 feet of range with line of sight playing and typically 150 feet if there are objects in the way. It offers low latency to ensure playing feels as natural as using a standard guitar cable and the receiver even has options for a ¼ inch output or balanced XLR meaning it can be used as a DI to the PA. The trade off is that the transmitter only runs on a single AA battery. Whilst this might © Copyright Benjamin Bullett Mortlock 2020 seem a little outdated when up against today’s rechargeable UBS transmitters, it does give you up to 12 hours of playing time, which is higher than a number of rechargeable products on the market. Another downside to this unit may be that it’s not pedalboard friendly, however those in the market for unit of this

Line 6 relay G10s

Pros

  • Pedalboard friendly
  • Battery powered (optional)

Cons

  • Less durable plastic casing
  • Older model
  • Not compatible with active pickups

An oldie but a goodie. The Line 6 G30 has been a stable wireless unit for guitarists for over 10 years. Perhaps one of the first more affordable units designed specifically for guitarists, this unit has stood the test of time and ruggedness of the stage. This unit takes after some of the higher end wireless products on the market often made by pro audio companies. Attach the transmitter pack to your belt or guitar strap and connect to your guitar with an instrument jack. The receiver which can fit on a pedalboard, amplifier or rack tray has 6 channel options for selecting the appropriate frequency. It features Line 6’s cable tone technology. Something that’s present and updated in today’s Line 6 units.

(Video) Top 10 Best Guitar Wireless Systems On Amazon

Line 6 G10

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (3)

The Line 6 G10s is a small box that functions as a receiver. The transmitter is even smaller and plugs straight into your guitar. No searching or selecting frequencies is required with this unit, making it easy and a great gigging tool to place either on the amp or on your pedalboard. Automatically within the 2.4ghz frequency range, unlike a lot of higher priced units, there is no need to match frequencies as it pairs with the receiver automatically. The transmitter switches off automatically after 4 minutes. Whilst this is a batter saving © Copyright Benjamin Bullett Mortlock 2020 feature, this has been an issue for guitarists playing in environments where speeches or speaking to the crowd can last longer 4 minutes. Since the signal running from your guitar to your pedals or amplifier cuts out, it requires the player to strum or send some signal through their guitar in order to switch it on again instantly.

Pros

  • Pedalboard friendly
  • Automatic charging
  • Battery powered (optional)
  • Automatic Frequency
  • The transmitter charges when docked
  • Silent switch for silent removal from instrument

Cons

  • USB powered only
  • Automatically switches off after 4 minutes (to save battery but can be trouble)

Boss WL-50

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (4)

The boss WL- 50 might just be your answer for a practical, portable and pedalboard friendly wireless guitar unit. For the performing guitarist, it’s designed as a similar size to a standard Boss stomp box. This unit which itself is the receiver, is placed at the beginning of your effects chain, plugging into the first pedal on your pedalboard. The transmitter plugs straight into your guitar and the receiver on © Copyright Benjamin Bullett Mortlock 2020 your pedalboard also functions as a charging dock when the transmitter is not being used. Setup is simple, quick and easy and the unit itself looks very minimalist sporting a nice clean green LED. The built in lithium battery inside the transmitter can give you up to 12 hours of play time before the unit needs charging again. The transmitter and receiver can be connected together simply through their jack ends, allowing you to charge them from a single standard micro USB cable used for smart phones and tablets. With no specialized cables needed, you’ll feel reassured knowing that even the cable from your phone charger can give battery life to your Boss WL-50 wireless unit.

Pros

  • Pedalboard Friendly
  • Battery powered (optional)
  • 12 hours playing time on a single charge
  • 10 hours of battery using batteries
  • Use of Boss PSA adapter creates daisy chain power

Cons

(Video) Top 5 Wireless Guitar Systems | Which One Is Right For You? (DEMO)

Boss WL-20

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (5)

Pros

  • Pedalboard friendly
  • Battery powered (optional)

Cons

  • Only for one instrument

The WL-20 works the same as a standard guitar cable and is perfect for instruments with passive pickups. The transmitter plugs into your guitar and the receiver plugs into your amplifier, pedal or an interface. It features Boss’s smart cable tone simulation technology, which reproduces the top-end roll off that a 3 meter or 10-foot guitar cable naturally posses. Keeping the overall sound of your instrument more natural for those of us who are used to using standard guitar cables.

Sennheiser XSW-D Instrument Base Set

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (6)

This pro audio specialist has created the optimal, portable solution for guitarists. With an
extremely convenient setup, clear sound quality and automatic frequency management,
this pair are an excellent solution for anyone looking for a truly professional level of sound
quality.

These do however cost more than the majority of small single paired wireless systems but
their price tag is met by their high quality.

(Video) The Ultimate Guitar Wireless System Shootout - Boss vs Line 6 vs Shure vs Sennheiser!

XVive Wireless System U2

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (7)

Pros

  • USB rechargeable
  • Affordable
  • Portable

Cons

  • Passive pickups only
  • Max range: 30m
  • Less durable
  • No channel indication only flashing LED
  • 5 Hours battery life

The XVive Wireless System U2 has quickly made its impact on the market as an affordable,
reliable product. With a large number of the guitar community demoing this set on
YouTube, they have quickly grown in popularity.
If simplicity, efficiency and speed is what you are looking for, this pair is perfect. Complete
with LED lights, they allow the player to know when the pair have been connected to one
another. The trade off with this pair is, they have no LED indicater showing you the strength
of your signal. As well as this, you can only get up to 5 hours of playing time. This may not
be a deal breaker for some and depending on the length of your gigs, you should be able
to get 5 – 10 gigs out of these after a full charge.

Behringer Airplay ULG10

Best Wireless guitar system - Top Rated Guitar (8)

The Behringer airplay ULG10 is the most affordable unit on the market that still posses
brand reliably and it couldn’t be any simpler. If you’re looking for something that’s very
portable and certainly won’t break the bank, the airplay ULG10 might be your solution.
Plug the transmitter into your instrument and plug the receiver directly into your amplifier
or pedalboard and you’re ready to rock. The airplay only has 4 frequency channels to
choose from and arguably could be more susceptible to frequency interference than some
of the other options. For this reason, it might be better for smaller rehearsal spaces,
bedrooms or whilst practicing.

Pros

  • USB rechargeable
  • Very Affordable
  • Extremely Portable

Cons

  • Less widely known
  • Less frequency options
  • Max range: 30m

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(Video) 5 Best Wireless Guitar Systems to Rock the Stage

FAQs

Are wireless guitar systems reliable? ›

Wireless systems can cut out if the transmitter is outside the receiver's range, if there is a high degree of radio frequency interference or noise, or if battery power is low. Most wireless systems today are very reliable and unlikely to cut out if best practices for the unit are followed.

What wireless system does Metallica use? ›

Metallica Guitar Techs Use Shure & RF Antenna to Eliminate Wireless Interference. Zaemisch, who is Hetfield's guitar tech, points out the band is touring with a large stage with a massive video screen and complicated lighting.

What is difference between 2.4 Ghz and 5.8 GHz for wireless guitar? ›

LEKATO differentiates its wireless guitar transmitter by sending an audio signal over the 5.8Ghz frequency instead of 2.4Ghz. Far fewer wireless electronics send information over this frequency, so there's even less of a chance of experiencing interference from other gadgets when you're playing guitar.

Which wireless guitar system works with active pickups? ›

NUX B-5RC works perfectly with active/passive electric guitar and bass, and acoustic-electric guitars with piezo or magnetic pickup. The signal is crystal clear.

What is the most reliable guitar brand? ›

To sum it all up, the best guitar brands are Ibanez, Fender, and Gibson. The best overall option would be the Ibanez JSM100, based on its overall quality and versatility. The Fender Telecaster is our number one Fender recommendation, while from the Gibson range we would single out the ES-175.

Do musicians use wireless guitars? ›

They use a specific radio frequency band similar to a wireless microphone. Many musicians are also using wireless "in-ear" monitors (known as "ears") on stage as well.

What wireless system does Brian may use? ›

Brian May uses the Sennheiser wireless pack and KAT STB (Strap Treble Booster) between his guitar and the Sennheiser wireless pack. Brian May's guitar special has a very distinct tone.

Does wireless affect guitar tone? ›

Just like wired, what happens to your wireless signal on the way from pick-up to amplifier will have an impact. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in a good quality wireless system to protect your precious guitar tone.

What model does Synyster Gates use? ›

The legendary guitar player has been a Schecter Guitar Research ambassador since 2004, and so he mostly plays Schecter signature Avenger models.

Is it better to use Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz? ›

2.4GHz audio is noticeably better when compared with Bluetooth wireless audio. Often, there's no pairing involved, and it's simply a plug-and-play experience. However, the real advantage is better sound quality. 2.4GHz wireless chipsets boast a long-range and lag-free experience.

Should I use dual band or 5G? ›

Ideally, you should use the 2.4GHz band to connect devices for low bandwidth activities like browsing the Internet. On the other hand, 5GHz is the best suited for high-bandwidth devices or activities like gaming and streaming HDTV.

Which is better 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz? ›

Higher frequencies can use less power, but will reflect off of dense surfaces. The 900MHz radio system is at a lower frequency and will penetrate surfaces more easily. Tempest 2.4GHz systems are more reflective and tend to be affected more by bodies, foliage, or moisture that can attenuate the signal.

Is there a big difference between active and passive pickups? ›

Active Pickups require a 9 Volt Battery to function, while Passive Pickups work without any outside power source. Passive Pickups are generally considered more versatile, while Active Pickups are usually associated with higher gain tones, like in Metal and Heavy Rock.

Are active pickups worth it? ›

Pros of Active Pickups

With their built-in preamp, active pickups usually have a greater overall output when compared to their passive counterparts. This makes them excellent for high-gain sounds, while the comparably lower noise-floor helps to reduce unwanted hiss.

Do active pickups make a difference? ›

Active pickups make your guitar's tone less dependent on expensive tone woods and higher quality construction, allowing players with less expensive guitars to instantly upgrade their sound. This is why the addition of active pickups has become one of the most popular upgrades players make on their guitars.

What is the best sounding guitar of all time? ›

From Les Paul to the Telecaster, we look at 9 of the best Rock guitars of all time!
  1. Gibson Les Paul. We'll start with the absolute classic all-rounder. ...
  2. Fender Stratocaster. ...
  3. Gibson ES-335. ...
  4. Schecter Omen Extreme-6. ...
  5. Gibson SG Standard. ...
  6. Fender Telecaster. ...
  7. Gretsch G5220 Electromatic Jet. ...
  8. Charvel Pro Mod DK24 Dinky HSS.
Oct 24, 2019

Which guitar quality is best? ›

Fender is one of the best musical instruments and amplifier manufacturers worldwide. Their guitars are well-built and have a great tone. And, if you are looking for an excellent acoustic guitar by this brand, you can check out Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar.

Which guitar model is best? ›

The Fender Acoustic Guitar is the best choice for both beginners and professionals offering a great sound and feel that will inspire you. The Fender Acoustic Guitar is the best choice for both beginners and professionals offering a great sound and feel that will inspire you.

Do wireless guitar systems have a delay? ›

Do Wireless Guitar Cables Have Latency? There is a possibility that you will sound out of sync with the rest of the band when you play the notes due to latency in a wireless digital system. If you're looking for a wireless solution for your musical needs, the Sennheiser XSW-D Instrument Base Set is a great option.

What guitar brands do celebrities use? ›

Here is a list of some of the best rock guitars:
  • The Fender Stratocaster. Among its most famous players are Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Hendrix, and Eddie Van Halen.
  • The Fender Telecaster. ...
  • The Fender Jaguar. ...
  • The Gibson Flying V. ...
  • The Gibson SG. ...
  • The Ibanez RG550. ...
  • The Gibson Les Paul.
Feb 2, 2021

Can you play a guitar without it being plugged in? ›

If you don't plug an electric guitar in, you will still hear it, but it will be quiet and won't sound good. An electric guitar cannot be played like an acoustic as it wasn't designed to be played without being plugged in.

Why does Brian May's guitar sound different? ›

The Guitar

Brian May's 'Red Special' has a very distinctive tone. Although having what appears to be 3 single coils in that guitar, there are several switches on the guitar that allowed him to select more complex wiring combinations than on a normal 5-way strat switch combination.

What amplifier did Brian May use? ›

Brian's amplifier of choice remains the Vox AC30, made famous by the Beatles and other “British Invasion “ bands of the 1960s. Brian tells the story of how he saw Irish blues rocker, Rory Gallagher play at the Marquee Club in London in the late 60s.

What pickups did Brian May use? ›

A big part of May's tone comes from the Red Special's Burns Tri-Sonic pickups. Though Tri-Sonics are single-coils, they're wider than standard Stratocaster pickups.

What is more important for tone guitar or amp? ›

Your amp is crucial to your musical style and the volume you'll be playing at, while your guitar has a direct effect on your playing experience and tone. There's no right or wrong answer!

Why do guitars sound better tuned down? ›

First, when the strings are tuned down, they have a lower pitch and vibrate slower. This gives the guitar a richer, fuller sound. Second, the lower tension on the strings makes them easier to bend, which gives the player more control over the sound of the guitar.

Why doesn't it sound good when I play guitar? ›

There are three reasons why your guitar might sound bad when strumming: Out-of-tune: even one string slightly out of tune can make strummed chords sound bad. Bad technique: pressing too hard on the strings or hitting the strings too hard can make chords sound out-of-tune.

What amp did Def Leppard use? ›

Amps and Effects

One channel of the Axe-Fx II feeds the front-of-house sound engineer and monitor engineer while the other channel is plugged into a Randall RRM 2-200 stereo power amp. The Randall powers two EVH 4x12 speaker cabinets on stage to give Collen the proper feel and also serves as a stage monitor.

What amplifier does Hank Marvin use? ›

Hank often used Vox AC15s and AC30s back in the day so this amp will, with a Strat, deliver a very similar tone. The nice thing about the AC10 is that it's more powerful than the AC4, plus you've got more control over the tone and you've got reverb built in – crucial if you want to sound like Hank Marvin.

What amp did the doors use? ›

His guitar was a 1964 Gibson SG Special solidbody with a pair of P90 single-coil pickups, which he plugged into a rented Fender Twin Reverb amp. Beyond his fingerstyle technique, another key to Krieger's warm tone is the fact that he preferred the sound of old, dirty strings.

What are the disadvantages of 2.4 GHz? ›

The advantage of a 2.4 GHz is that it has a farther range and it can penetrate solid objects better. However the disadvantage that it has, is that it's more vulnerable to interference. That's because so many other devices use the same band and it's also slower than the 5 GHz.

What sounds better Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? ›

Bluetooth advancements, like AptX, compress the audio less, but it's not lossless. Wifi, on the other hand, has the ability to send audio wirelessly, without sacrificing the quality of recordings. If you have a recording that contains the full range of audio, that content will be accurately delivered to your speakers.

Which is more powerful 2.4 GHz or 5GHz? ›

5 GHz will give you more signal strength and faster speed over a shorter range, compared to 2.4 GHz.

What is the disadvantages of 5G? ›

The fact that 5G has a spotty worldwide reach and is currently only available in a few locations is its major drawback. The 5G network will primarily benefit cities; remote areas may not receive coverage for several years. The costs for installing tower stations are very high compared to other networks.

Does 5G penetrate walls better? ›

Although 5G mmWave is super fast its wavelengths have short and weak penetration through physical objects such as walls, doors, trees, etc. which means a larger deployment of towers need to provide accurate positioning.

How many 5G bands is best? ›

Most popular 5G bands in smartphones in India are N77 and N78. Both of these bands rest in the mid-range. Having said that, there are phones available in the market that offer around 13 5G bands but you should know that the band-frequency matter more than the number of bands offered.

Which is better 450 MHz or 900MHz? ›

Compared with the 900 MHz range, 450 MHz provides fewer missed reads and fewer missed or Page 5 incomplete transmissions, resulting in more accurate usage data and lower costs. Interference / Noise No Possible Infrastructure Costs Lower Higher Optimized for M2M Applications?

How far can 900MHz travel? ›

The lower frequency radio waves of 900 MHz radios provide greater penetration through walls, trees and other obstacles, making it optimal for most non-line-of-sight applications. A typical AW900xTR Radio using high powered AW-15 15dbi antenna can go distances of up to 1500 feet with buildings and/or trees in the way.

Which is more powerful MHz or GHz? ›

These most common units of frequency are multiples of a thousand. For example, since 1 MHz is a million Hz and 1 GHz is a billion Hz, a GHz is a thousand times faster than a MHz.

Do wireless guitar systems affect tone? ›

Just like wired, what happens to your wireless signal on the way from pick-up to amplifier will have an impact. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in a good quality wireless system to protect your precious guitar tone.

Do I need a wireless guitar system? ›

A wireless system enables you to roam the stage, rehearsal room or even just your bedroom without the need for a cable between your guitar and amp. This means you're not getting all tangled up if you move around a lot whilst playing – particularly handy if you're playing with other people on stage.

How long have wireless guitar systems been around? ›

Schaffer gave precedence to developing the first system for wireless guitar (1976) and then the wireless microphone (1977). After prototyping the wireless system, Schaffer arranged its manufacture by the Vega Corporation, based in El Monte, California.

Is 2.4 GHz good for wireless guitar? ›

The 2.4GHz frequency standard (which is actually a band approximately between 2400 and 2500 MHz, and otherwise known as the band that your WiFi lives on) is free to use worldwide and is now becoming the standard for prosumer guitar wireless systems.

Do wireless guitar systems work with pedals? ›

Wireless systems work fine with guitar pedals. All you need to do is plug the receiver into the start of your pedal chain as opposed to your amp. Remember, just think of system as an advanced guitar lead! It may actually be easier to play with pedals because then you can use the power supply from your effects chain.

How much latency is too much for guitar? ›

For most musicians an overall latency of 12ms is acceptable and it doesn't affect performance, however it's better when it's lower. When you're playing through an analog guitar amp and you're 1 meter away from the amp, the only latency present is the sound wave latency of 2.941ms.

Does Tonewood really matter electric guitar? ›

The answer is that it does. Generally, heavier woods like mahogany resonate differently than a medium-bodied wood like alder and a lighter wood like basswood. And don't forget feel. A big part of your tone comes down to how you play — how you fret chords and how you strum or pick.

How do guitarists play wireless? ›

To connect a wireless system, plug the transmitter into your guitar's output jack, and then plug the receiver into your amp's input jack, just as you would a guitar cable. Then, power on both components.

Can you play an acoustic electric guitar without plugging it in? ›

While the acoustic-electric guitar can be played unplugged and will sound just like a non-electric acoustic guitar, you still have to carry around all of your extra equipment just for the off chances that you want/have to plug in.

Is it weird to play electric guitar without amp? ›

While it's not optimal for producing volume and tone, electric guitars can be played without an amp, and you can certainly practice and improve while playing unplugged. The only caveat, though, is that it will be a lot quieter, but as long as you're not in a very loud place, you can still hear the notes you're playing.

What is the oldest guitar company in America? ›

C.F.

Martin, known more commonly as “Martin,” is the oldest guitar company in the United States. Founded in 1833, the company originally operated out of a small shop on the Lower West Side of New York City, where the eponymous luthier sold music supplies, as well as a limited number of handmade guitars.

What is the oldest electric guitar brand? ›

On August 10, 1937, the Electro String Corporation was awarded the first-ever electric guitar patent. Invented by G.D. Beauchamp, the instrument was known as the Rickenbacker Frying Pan.

Who was the first band to use wireless guitar? ›

We were the 1st band with wireless guitar transmitters. We wanted to show that off, so the idea of throwing our guitars simultaneously to each other was born. It was scary-but-fun every time we did it, and all audiences went wild over it and all of our other antics!

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